Dan Sanderson

Dr. Dan Sanderson is a clinical psychologist who has been working in the area of psychological assessment and treatment for more than 25 years. He earned his doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Brigham Young University. He has performed hundreds of psychological evaluations and is an expert in the area of psychological assessment. He is a well-known clinician in the field of wilderness therapy and has many years of experience working in various areas of psychological assessment and treatment including forensics. "Doc Dan" is what his clients and fans like to use to reference him. Dr. Sanderson is the creator of the "developmental vacation model" which is a highly successful and unique theory for treating adolescent and young adult behavior issues. Dr. Sanderson is the father of five children. Dr. Sanderson provides psychological evaluations as part of the forensic services offered at Therapy Associates.

Clinical Team

Daniel Sanderson, Ph.D.,CSAT

Daniel Sanderson, Ph.D.

Dr. Daniel Sanderson is an internationally recognized Clinical Psychologist specializing in developmental, forensic psychology, trauma, psychological assessment, and neuro-psychology with more than 30 years of experience in outdoor and residential treatment design. He is a well-respected and tactical clinician for wilderness therapies, and considered a pioneer in wilderness treatment modalities. His many years of experience in the field of psychology include a wide array of treatment options for children, adolescents, and their families.

Dr. Sanderson is an innovator who implements groundbreaking and first-of-their-kind interventions, including the Family Boot Camp and STAR Guides Wilderness – specializing in treatment for Sexual Addiction, Process, Gaming & Technology Addictions; as well as Concierge Wilderness Therapy programs.

Sanderson is recognized for creating the Developmental Vacation treatment model; a highly successful and unique treatment method for adolescents and young adults with difficult, complex, treatment resistant, emotional and behavioral health problems. He has performed hundreds of psychological evaluations and is an expert in the area of psychological assessment.

Known by everyone as “Doc Dan,” Sanderson acts as consulting psychologist for Sovereign Health Group, CA overseeing clinical therapy of their adolescent treatment program called White River Academy in Delta, Utah. He is the Co-Founder and Clinical Director for Star Guides Wilderness Therapy and Therapy Associates Clinic, St. George, UT. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Academy for Child Advocacy & Family Support (ACAFS) and is an active Member of the National Coalition to End Sexual Exploitation.

Perspectives of Sanderson’s cutting-edge work with families and individuals has been highlighted in episodes for the Discovery Innovations Channel, The BBC, and ABC News segments. Sanderson is adding his influence to the fight against pornography, sexual exploitation, trauma, sex trafficking, violence against women and children, gaming addictions and the breakdown of the family.

In 1995, Dr. Sanderson graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. His pre-doctoral internship was completed at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Doc Dan and his wife have five children and twelve grandchildren. His hobbies include running with his dogs, working on old cars, activity in the martial arts, paddle boarding, early morning fitness boot-camps, yoga, and competing in triathlons.